Automated payment system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a divisional application of U.S. application forpatent Ser. No. 09/899,727 filed Jul. 5, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, when a customer receives an invoice from a company, a checkis usually written for the invoice and then sent in the mail with thepayment stub or invoice. Often, these payments go to a post office boxnumber. These post office box numbers are often located at a bank andare commonly known as “lock boxes.” Bank personnel receive the payments,deposit the checks into the company's account, and forward the invoicesto the company for reconciliation purposes. The check is then routedthrough the Federal Reserve Bank system to the bank of the customer.This whole process can take up to a week or more before the customer'saccount at the company is credited. Such a long processing time cancause the customer to be charged with late fees and/or interest on theunpaid amount. Also, the long processing time may adversely affect thecompany, as it is dependent on the mail to receive payments to itsaccount. Also, the company has to deal with angry customers who demandthat late charges and interest fees be reversed.

Some banks provide invoice payment services for customers who travelfrequently. The bills are forwarded directly to the bank, and anemployee of the bank writes the check or debits the customer's accountfor the payment. Because the customer's bank may not be the bank of thecompany, however, the bills still need to be mailed to the lock box forprocessing.

Another method recently instituted by some banks and companies ispayment via the Internet. Such systems vary, but there are two mainmethods. In one method, a customer enters the company's website andselects a payment option. The customer may then enter important datasuch as name, address, e-mail address, and the account number they wishto have credited. Also, the customer must provide authorization for thetransaction to occur and supply information regarding from where thepayment should be debited, i.e., bank name and routing number andaccount name and number. After the program is established, the user maypay bills on-line. This method takes time (up to three or four days),however, because the company must first send a request to the customer'sbank and then wait for the bank to send the funds and for the receivingbank to process the transfer of funds.

The other method of paying on-line is utilized by the customer accessinghis or her bank account and sending the information that way. In thissystem, the bank of the customer processes the transaction on-line andelectronically transfers the funds to the company. This process isusually faster because the customer's bank is immediately sending thefunds instead of waiting for a request from the company. This methodalso, however, has drawbacks. First, not all people have access to theInternet. Although many people have computers, large segments of thepopulation do not or do not know how to use the internet. Second, due tosecurity issues, not all people who have access to the internet feelcomfortable accessing accounts on-line. Some people do not want toprovide account numbers on the internet for fear of hackers obtainingsuch information.

Also, the customer must still wait until they receive the invoice andmust enter in the information every month.

Another drawback of current payment systems is that customers may onlyuse them to pay companies that are on the internet and are establishedto receive payments in such a manner. For many smaller companies andindividuals, the above-mentioned devices cannot be used.

In view of these problems, there is a need for a system which provides acustomer with a method of faster payment of bills while ensuring theconfidentiality of account numbers and the like. There is also a needfor a method of payment where the customer does not need to enterpayment information every month.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a system for processing original checks comprises: adocument scanning system having: an input receptacle for receiving anoriginal check; and at least one image scanner for scanning both sidesof the original check, wherein the at least one image scanner obtainsimages of both sides of the original check; a first computercommunicatively coupled to the document scanning system, the firstcomputer electronically transmitting the images of both sides of theoriginal check over a communications link; and a second computer whichreceives the electronically transmitted images of both sides of theoriginal check and prints a substitute check from the received images ofboth sides of the original check.

In another embodiment, a method for processing original checkscomprises: scanning both sides of an original check to obtain images ofboth sides of the original check; receiving the images of both sides ofthe original check at a first computer; electronically transmitting theimages of both sides of the original check from the first computer overa communications link; and receiving the electronically transmittedimages of both sides of the original check at a second computer andprinting a substitute check from the received images of both sides ofthe original check.

In another embodiment, a financial institution document processingnetwork comprises: a document scanning system including a plurality ofimage scanners each operating to receive original checks and image bothsides of the received original checks; and a computer communicativelycoupled to the document scanning system, the computer operating to printsubstitute checks from the images of both sides of the original checks.

In another embodiment, a system for check processing checks comprises:at least one image processing unit comprising: an input receptacle forreceiving an original check; an image scanner for scanning both sides ofthe original check to obtain images of both sides of the original check;and an interface to electronically transmit the images of both sides ofthe original check; and an account processing system that receives theelectronically transmitted images, updates an account associated withthe imaged original check and prints a substitute check from the imagesof both sides of the original check.

In another embodiment, a method for processing checks comprises:scanning both sides of an original check to create an electronic imageof both sides of the original check; electronically transmitting theelectronic image of both sides of the original check to a secondlocation remote from the first location; printing a substitute checkfrom the electronic image of both sides of the original check; andreconciling at least one account based on information contained in thescanned original check.

In another embodiment, a system comprises: a first processing systemreceiving an electronic image of an original check and reconciling afirst account based on information contained in the original checkimage; a printer for printing a substitute check from the electronicimage of the original check; and a second processing system receivingthe electronic image of the original check from the first processingsystem and reconciling a second account based on information containedin the original check image.

In another embodiment, a method for processing checks electronicallycomprises: receiving, at a first bank location, an electronic image ofboth sides of an original check; determining whether to print asubstitute check from the at least one electronic image at the firstbank location; determining whether to forward the electronic image ofboth sides of the original check to a second bank location; and printingthe substitute check at the second bank location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of an automated paymentsystem according to principles of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the operation of an automated paymentsystem according to principles of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a document scanning system according toprinciples of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a document scanning systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an image scanner of a documentscanning system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an image scanner according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a document being scanned by an image scanner inthe wide dimension.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a document being scanned by an image scanner inthe narrow dimension.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an image file of a check according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image file of an invoice according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing the operation of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the components of a documentscanning system according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a compact document processing systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a compact document processing systemaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart describing the operation of another embodiment ofan automated payment system.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the components of a documentscanning system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the components of a documentscanning system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a document scanning system according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Customers write out and mail numerous checks in a month. These checksare written to payees for any number of reasons. The check may be to acompany to pay a bill or invoice, or it may be written to a person as agift. The term “customers” refers to any person or business thatreceives invoices requesting payment from anyone, a person or an entity.The term “payee” refers to whom the money is owed or to whom it is beingpaid. The term “payee,” as used in this application, refers to anyperson or business who provides services and/or goods to a customer orto anyone to whom a customer wishes to pay money (i.e., a grandchild fora birthday present). The payee may send an invoice to the customer forpayment. The term “invoice” refers to any sort of bill, payment coupon,remittance, or reminder notice of payment due for goods or servicesrendered. As described above in the background, this method of payinginvoices often takes a great amount of time and is inefficient. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the invoices or bills are maileddirectly to a payment center for processing. The term “payment center”includes banks, savings and loans, investment houses, and all othertypes of financial institutions, whether private, public, or government,as well as including any other business that would provide this service,such as a currency exchange, department or other retail store, or placesthat normally accept bill payments. For ease of description, thefollowing embodiments will be described in terms of banks, but it isunderstood that all other payment centers are contemplated.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an automated payment system100 of the present invention is illustrated. The automated paymentsystem 100 includes a document scanning system 110, which is capable ofreceiving documents. The term “documents” includes currency bills,financial institution documents, and other documents with predeterminedfields. The term “currency bills” includes not only U.S. and foreigncurrency, but also currency created by corporations such as casinoscript and “Disney Dollars.” The term “financial institution documents”includes checks, deposit slips, loan payment documents, cash tickets,savings withdrawal tickets, check deposit slips, savings deposit slips,and all other documents utilized as a proof of deposit at financialinstitutions. The term “documents” may also include invoices and otherreminders received from companies requesting payment (such as collectionnotices and e-mail reminders).

In FIG. 1, the document scanning system 110 scans the documents andobtains images of the documents. The document scanning system isconnected via a first communication link 120 to a first computer 130.The first communication link 120 is adapted to transmit information,such as the images, between the scanning system 110 and the firstcomputer 130. The first communication link 120 may be any link used fordata, voice, or video communications that is known in the art, such as atelephone line. Alternatively, the first communication link 120 may beover another form of media, such as a radio or microwave link.

The first computer 130 is a computer at a bank where the payor, orperson receiving the invoice, has an account. The first computer 130 isadapted to receive information through the first communication link 120and to update the payor's account accordingly (i.e., credit or debit theaccount). The first computer 130 may be is located in the same place asthe document scanning system 110, or it may be in a location remote, orseparate, from the document scanning system 110. For example, it iscontemplated that the document scanning system 110 and the firstcomputer 130 may be located in the same building. It is alsocontemplated that the document scanning system 110 may be located at abranch of the payor bank, while the first computer 130 is located at themain office or processing center of the payor bank.

The first computer 130 of the payor bank is then linked via a secondcommunication link 140, which is defined the same as above, to a secondcomputer 150 at a payee bank. The payee bank is a bank having an accountowned by the payee. The second communication link 140 allows the payorbank to communicate with the payee bank. In this embodiment, imagesobtained from the scanning system 110 may be transferred to the firstcomputer 130 for debiting the customer's account and then transferred tothe second computer 150 for crediting the payee's account. The imagesare transferred over the communication lines 120, 140. These transfersmay occur substantially immediately. For example, an image that isscanned on a Monday morning may be electronically transferred to thereceiving bank that day for crediting to the company's account withinminutes. Alternatively, the transaction may occur within a couple ofhours, depending on the speed of transmission and auditing requirements.In other embodiments, the payee and payor banks may have predeterminedtime periods established for the transfer of images. For example, thepayor bank may send image transmissions once every hour, once a shift,or once a certain number of images have been obtained.

In another embodiment, the first computer 130 is linked via acommunication line 160, as defined above, to a third computer 170operated by the customer or payee. Information may be forwarded from thepayor bank to the customer or payee. For example, images from thescanning system may be e-mailed to either the customer or the payee. Inanother embodiment, the images may not be transmitted, but a receiptindicating that the transaction occurred may be e-mailed. In anotherembodiment, the images may be downloaded onto a disk or a tape by eitherthe payee or payor bank and forwarded to the customer or payee in thismanner, as well. In this embodiment, the automated payment system 100 isuseful because it provides the company, customer, or both with adetailed record of the transaction soon after the transaction occurs. Ifthe image is sent to the company, the company may update their recordsfaster than if the receipts were merely mailed to them.

In other embodiments, the third computer is operated by the customer anda fourth computer operated by the payee is included. Also, the third andfourth computers 170 may be linked to the second computer 150 instead ofor in addition to the first computer 130. In all of these embodiments,the operation of the system is the same.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a brief description of how the embodimentdescribed above operates will be described. First, at step 180, a checkdrawn on an account owned by a customer and an invoice are inserted intothe scanning system. The check and invoice may be inserted as part of astack or singularly. Images of the check and invoice are then obtainedby the scanning system (step 182). Next, at step 184, the images aretransmitted to a payor bank which holds the account owned by thecustomer. At step 186, the customer's account is then debited for theamount of the check. The images of the check and invoice, along with thefunds debited from the customer's account, are transmitted at step 188to a payee bank. The payee bank holds an account belonging to a payeelisted on the check. Then, at step 190, the payee bank credits thepayee's account with the funds received from the payor bank.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of one embodiment of adocument scanning system 310 is depicted. The scanning system includesan input receptacle 300 adapted to receive a document 305. Informationconcerning the transaction may be communicated to an operator via anoperator control panel 320, such as a display, a touch screen, or avideo screen. The operator is a person employed or contracted by thebank to run the scanning system 310. The operator control panel 320 canbe a touch screen which can be used by the operator to communicateinteractively with the first computer 130 (FIG. 1). For example, theoperator control panel 320 can also be a communicational video screenwhich displays video images of the document 305 as the document 305 isscanned. The operator control panel 320 may then prompt the operator toperform the next step, e.g., accept, reject, retry.

In the embodiment described above, there are situations when thecustomer is present as the operator scans the document 305. In such anembodiment, a customer control panel 330 may be provided to displayinformation to a customer. The customer control panel 330 may also be adisplay, a video screen, or a touch screen as described above. In oneembodiment, the customer control panel 330 includes a touch screenbutton for authorizing the transaction. Also, there may be a separate“OK” button. In other embodiments, the control panels 320, 330 may alsohave numeric keypads, standard keyboards, and/or denomination keys forinputting information into the document scanning system 310. Forexample, if a document has information that is unable to be scanned orif the information scanned is unreadable and/or unable to be deciphered,the control panels 320, 330 may be used to input the missing informationinto the scanning system 310. In an alternative embodiment, the controlpanels 320, 330 also include electronic signature pads and pens. Theelectronic signature pads and pens also enable operators and users toinput information into the scanning system 310 if it is needed.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a functional block diagram of one embodiment of adocument scanning system 410 will now be described. As mentioned withreference to FIG. 3, a document 405 is placed into the document scanningsystem 410 through an input receptacle 400. The document 405 may beplaced into the input receptacle 400 one at a time or may be placed in astack. A transport mechanism 440 transports the documents 405 one at atime from the input receptacle 400 past an image scanner 450 to anoutput receptacle 455. In this embodiment, only one output receptacle455 is illustrated, but other embodiments include multiple outputreceptacles 310. A controller 460 is linked to the image scanner 450,the transport mechanism 440, a memory 470, and the operator and usercontrol panels 220, 230. The controller 460 is adapted to controloperation of the transport mechanism 440 and the image scanner 450, tocommunicate information to and from the memory 470, and to communicateinformation to and from the customer and operator control panels 320,330.

Once the image scanner 450 receives an instruction from the controller460, the image scanner 450 scans the document 405, and obtains an imageof the document 405. The image may be an image of the entire document405 (a full image) or it may be of selected portions of the document405. The image scanner 450 may contain optical character recognition(OCR) software, such as character amount recognition (CAR) or legalamount recognition (LAR), for identifying the characters printed in oneor more fields of the document 405. The OCR also recognizes certainfields within the document 405. For example, if the document 405 is acheck, the OCR may search the full image for the account number, scanthe account number once the field is located, and transfer thedetermined account number to the memory 470 through the controller 460for storage. Alternatively, if the document 405 is an invoice, the OCRmay search the full image for a dollar amount. Once the dollar amountfield is located, the OCR will then scan the dollar amount and transferan image of the dollar amount to the memory 470 for storage. In analternative embodiment, the image scanner 450 is directly linked to thememory 470 for transfer and storage of the images.

The memory 470 may be used for either temporary or permanent storage ofthe images obtained by the image scanner 450. The memory 470 may storethe images until the images are transported via the first communicationlink 120 to the first computer 130. The transportation may occur after aset number of images have been stored, after a predetermined amount oftime, or when the memory 470 is full. Alternatively, the memory 470 maybe used to store information on tapes, disks, and/or CD-ROMs. Thecustomer may insert a memory storage device into the scanning system410. After the image scanner 450 obtains images of the document 405 andcommunicates the images to the first computer 130, the scanning system410 may save the images to the memory 470, which is then taken by thecustomer as a receipt. In another embodiment, the memory is removable,but is removed by the first bank for reconciliation purposes. In yetanother alternative embodiment, any combination of memories 470 areincluded.

Next, the transport mechanism 440 may transport the document 405 past adiscrimination and authentication unit 480. The discrimination andauthentication unit 480 is of the type described in U.S. Pat. No.5,915,592, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.The discrimination and authentication unit 480 authenticates thedocument 405 and, in the case of a currency bill, determines thedenomination of the bill. With other documents, such as checks, thesystem may capture information such as the check amount, account number,bank number, or check number. If a document cannot be authenticated ordiscriminated by the discrimination and authentication unit 480, analert may be sent via one of the control panels 320, 330 to an operatoror customer. In some embodiments, the controller 460 may cause adocument that is unable to be authenticated to be flagged and thenrejected from the machine. If the document scanning system 410 only hasone output receptacle 455, the controller 460 may halt the operation ofthe machine while the document 405 is ejected into the output receptacle455. In embodiments where the scanning system 410 has multiple outputreceptacles 455, the controller 460 may continue operation of thescanning system and merely reject the unauthenticated document 405 toone output receptacle, while authenticated documents are sent to adifferent output receptacle.

It is also contemplated that the discrimination and authentication unit480 may not be used for all documents 405 that are input into the system410. For example, the discrimination and authentication unit 480 may beused to process currency bills and checks, but may not be used in thecase of invoice-type documents. In this situation, the discriminationand authentication unit 480 recognizes certain documents, such as aninvoice or payment coupon, as being a type of document where nodiscrimination or authentication needs to be performed. In this case,after the discrimination and authentication unit 480 recognizes theinvoice document, the transport mechanism 440 may transport the documentto the output receptacle 455.

In another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the discriminationand authentication unit 480 is not included. In this embodiment, thedocument 405 would be transported past the image scanner 450 and to theoutput receptacle 455.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a printer 490 isincluded in the document scanning system 410. The printer 490 mayperform a variety of functions. In one embodiment, the printer 490 maybe used to print an indicia of cancellation or a “paid” indicia on thedocument 405. The type of mark used may depend on the type of document405. For example, a check would have an indicia of cancellation on it,while the invoice may be marked “paid.” In another embodiment, theprinter 490 may be used to print an image of the check and/or invoice tobe physically sent to the customer. The printer 490 used can be any typeof conventional printer. For example, depending on the function forwhich the printer 490 is used, the printer 490 may use conventionalprinting wheels. In another embodiment, where the printer 490 is onlyused for one purpose, for example, to cancel the document 405, theprinter 490 may be a stamp. In yet another embodiment, the printer 490may include a series of stamps. For example, one stamp could imprint anindicia of cancellation on a check and another stamp could print “paid”on an invoice. The operation of the printer 490 is controlled by thecontroller 460.

One example of the arrangement of an image scanner 550 for use in theabove-mentioned embodiments is described with reference to FIG. 5. Adocument 505 having two sides, for example, a check, U.S. or foreigncurrency, or an invoice, is inserted into the document scanning system310 (shown in FIG. 3) at position 500 a. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,the image scanner 450 is adapted to scan both sides of the document 505.Often, the document 505 contains valuable information on both sides and,thus, obtaining an image of both sides is useful. For example, if thedocument 505 is a check, a first (or front) side of the check maycontain payee and amount information, while a second (or back) side maycontain endorsement information.

After the document 505 is inserted into the document scanning system310, the document 505 is transported past a scanning arrangement by thetransport mechanism 440 (FIG. 4). When the document 505 moves into aposition 500 b, it is illuminated by a light 560, causing the image ofthe first or second sides of the document to travel along a first path510 to a mirror 520. The image is then reflected by the mirror 520 alonga second path 530 to a scan head 540, where the image is obtained. Thescan head 540 may be rotatable as shown. The light 560 may be located invarious places in the image scanner 450. Thus, one side of the document505 is imaged using reflection techniques. The document 505 then movesinto position 500 c where the image of the other of the first and secondsides of the document 505 is scanned by the scan head 540 via a path570. In one embodiment, the transport mechanism 440 stops at theposition 500 b while, in other embodiments, the transport mechanism 440operates in continuous motion and does not stop at the various positionsfor imaging.

The rotation and operation of the scan head 540 may be controlled by thecontroller 460 illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the scan head 540could be rotated based on a time delay (rotates so many degrees every sooften). The operation of the scan head 540 may also be in continuousoperation. The scan head 540 may scan without interruption as opposed toan embodiment where the scan head 540 is turned on or off via thecontroller 460.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, theimage scanner 550 may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,888,812, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In FIG. 6, another embodiment of an image scanner 650 is depicted. Inthis embodiment, the front and back surfaces of a document 605 arescanned by scan heads 602, 604 and the images are processed into videoimage data by electronic circuitry. The scan heads 602, 604 arepreferably charge coupled scanner arrays and generate a sequence ofanalog signals representing light and dark images defining the image onthe document 605. The scan heads 602, 604 are arranged forsimultaneously scanning both the front and back of the document 605 andare connected respectively to analog-to-digital converters 610, 615which convert the analog values into discrete binary gray scale valuesof, for example, 256 gray scale levels. Alternatively, the scan heads602, 604 may be arranged in an offset, or non-overlapping, manner. Forexample, a non-overlapping arrangement may be useful in isolating lightdetected by each scan head. The scan heads 602, 604 may be capable ofobtaining images of varying resolutions. The particular resolutionchosen, which can be varied by the operator, is selected based on thetype of document being scanned, as is known in the art.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the high resolution gray scaleimage data from the analog-to-digital converters 610, 615 is directed toan image data preprocessor 620 in which the data may be enhanced andsmoothed and which serves to locate the edges of successive documents.Irrelevant data between documents can then be discarded. If thedocuments are slightly skewed, the image preprocessor 620 can alsoperform rotation on the image data to facilitate subsequent processing.

The image data may be monitored for unacceptable image quality by animage quality unit 630. For example, the image quality unit 630 maymonitor the distribution of gray scale values in the image data andcreate a histogram. As is well known in the art, acceptable qualityimages have a distribution of gray scale values within certainprescribed limits. If the gray scale distribution of the histogram fallsoutside these limits, this is indicative of poor image quality and anerror condition may be generated.

The image data is transmitted from the quality unit 630 to an imageprocessor 640. The image processor 640 may add items to the image. Forexample, if a document bearing only a signature is scanned, the imageprocessor 640 may add a transaction amount, a payee, and/or otherinformation to the image. As is known in the art, the scan heads 602,604 can additionally scan specified fields on the faces of the document.For example, when processing checks, the scan heads 602, 604 may bedirected by the OCR software to search for the “$” symbol as acoordinate to the left of the numeric check amount field box. As isknown in the art, a straight coordinate system or dimension system maybe used where known dimensions of the box are used to locate the field.Also, when scanning currency, the scan heads 602, 604 may be directed bythe OCR software to search for the serial numbers printed at definedlocations which the image processor 640 can locate.

The processor 640 can be programmed to locate fields for various typesof currency and perform processing. Based on scanning certain areas onthe currency or document, the processor 640 first identifies the type ofdocument, such as type of currency, for example, U.S. bank notes. Then,based on the outcome of the previous step, certain fields of interestare located, and the information is stored for use by the system. Forchecks, fields of interest may include the name of the bank, the accountnumber, and the amount of the transaction. For U.S. bank notes, thefields of interest may include the dollar amount. For deposit slips, thefields of interest may include the bank name, account number, totalamount of deposit, and amount of individual checks or currenciesdeposited. For invoices, the fields of interest may include the accountnumber, the transaction amount, and the minimum amount due. Theprocessor 640 may also compress the image data, as is known in the art,in preparation for transmission to an outside location and/or storage.

The amount of image data per document may vary depending on the size andnature of the document and the efficiency of the data compression andreduction for that particular document. To insure that no data is lostin the event that the volume of image data temporarily exceeds thetransfer capacity of a data channel 655, such as a high speed datachannel, a prechannel buffer 650 is interposed prior to the data channel655, which is connected to a controller 660. The capacity of thepre-channel buffer 650 is continually monitored by the controller 660 sothat appropriate action may be taken if the buffer becomes overloaded.The compressed video image data is received by the controller 660 over,for example, a high-speed data channel 760 and is initially routed totemporary storage. The prechannel buffer 650 is preferably of a sizecapable of storing image data from at least several batches or runs ofchecks or similar documents, each batch or run containing several checksor documents. The controller 660 in the document scanning system directsthe image scanner to perform the functions of analyzing the data.Alternatively, as discussed above, analysis of the data can occur at anoffice computer or at a personal computer attached to the system.

A personal computer or alternate means may be used to create images ofelectronic documents that are electronic images only. That is, suchdocuments may be created without scanning physical documents. In such asystem, computer software electronically creates an image of a documentsuch as a check. These systems are commonly known in the art. A specialprinter (not shown) may be connected to the system to print documentswith fields of interest.

Other scanning modules and methods can be used in place or in additionto the ones described above. These include CCD array systems, multi-cellarrays, and other well-known scanning techniques. Examples of thesetechniques and devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,023,782,5,237,158, 5,187,750 and 4,205,780, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties. The scanning module can also be acolor image scanner such as the type described in U.S. Pat. No.5,335,292, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Turning now also to FIGS. 7 and 8, the document 605 may be transportedpast the image scanner 650 in a direction that is parallel to its narrowedge (FIG. 7), or the document 605 may be transported past the imagescanner 650 in a direction that is perpendicular to its narrow edge(FIG. 8). These embodiments may be incorporated into both theembodiments of either of the image scanners depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, an image file of a check and an imagefile of an invoice are described. Turning first to FIG. 9, a check imagefile 900 comprises several parts. A first image section 905 representsone side of a scanned check. The image is a collection of encoded dataand is represented here pictorially so as to be readily understandableto those skilled in the art. In the check sample shown in FIG. 9, bothsides of the check have been scanned. In other embodiments, it may onlybe desired to scan one side. In the embodiment illustrated, the firstimage section 905 is the front side of the scanned check. Similarly, asecond image section 910 comprises data representing the reverse side ofthe document, in this case, the back side of the check. Area 915 a isthe MICR data scanned and is extracted from the full image scan andinserted into a MICR field 915 b. The MICR information on the checkincludes the bank routing number (or ABA number), the payor's checkingaccount number, check number, and may include the dollar amount of thecheck.

Areas 915 c and 915 d represent, respectively, routing and controlinformation. The routing and control information is needed so that theimage file can be transmitted among financial institutions. The routinginformation is a number that corresponds to the bank that issued thecheck. In other words, the bank to which the image file belongs caneasily be recognized by an operator. The areas 915 c and 915 d may beextracted from the area 915 a or from the MICR encoding on the check.The numbers illustrated are used as examples and are not meant torepresent the exact digits or number of digits used.

Also taken from the MICR encoding line on the check is field 915 e,which contains the account number for the check extracted from the imageof the check. The account number allows an operator to know whichaccount was debited for the funds.

To further aid the operator in recognizing the account, a field 920 bmay be included in the image file and contains data indicating the nameand address of the owner of the account. This information is taken froman identification section 920 a on the image file. Normally, thisinformation is on the upper left side of the check and usually includesat least the name of the owner of the account, and may include addressand telephone information.

On the written portion of the check, an amount of transaction isindicated in an amount box 930 a. This information may be read from theimage and inserted into an amount field 930 b. Other writteninformation, such as a payee name 940 a, may also be extracted from thefull image and added into a field 940 b. A check number 950 a may beextracted and added into a field 950 b to provide a clearer indicationof the check number. It should be recognized that the fields illustratedare not inclusive of all possible fields and types of information whichcan be stored in the image file 900. Indeed, other types of informationcan be stored as can pointers to other files having, for example,further information relating to the customer. In some cases, it may alsobe useful to read the memo line of the check. In addition, it iscontemplated that an operator may fill in some of these fields. Forexample, in an embodiment of the present invention that only requiresthe customer to sign the document, the payee field and amount field maybe added to the image before it is processed. The format of the file isstandardized for ease of processing, i.e., using .tif or .jpg. Thisallows other software to process the information in image files for useby the merchant or financial institution.

FIG. 10 depicts an image file 1000 of the invoice according to oneembodiment of the invention. A full image of either or both sides of theinvoice may be obtained. In this embodiment, it is only a first side1010 of an invoice that is included in the image file 1000. The firstside 1010 contains an address 1020 a having the name and address of thecompany. The address 1020 a may be extracted and inserted into anaddress field 1020 b. A field 1030 a contains an account number of thecustomer at the payee. The customer's account number on the invoice isdifferent than the account number on the check in FIG. 9. The accountnumber on the check is the customer's account number at the bank or theaccount number that is going to be debited to pay the customer's accountat the payee. For example, if a customer owes utility A money, utility Awill send the person an invoice indicating the amount of payment and thecustomer's account at the utility. The customer then writes a checkdrawn on an account at a bank to pay their account at the utility. It isimportant that the account number 1030 a is clearly imaged, becausefield 1030 b informs the company where to apply the funds received.

Numerous invoices contain various dollar amounts that may be owed by acustomer. For example, on a standard credit card invoice, the invoicewill include a total amount owed 1040 a, a minimum amount to be paid1050 a, and a transaction amount 1060 a. These amounts may differ. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the total amount owed 1040 a is $100.00, theminimum amount to be paid 1050 a is $10.00, and the transaction amount1060 a is also $10.00. In practice, the transaction amount 1060 a may beany number, but usually it lies between the minimum amount to be paid1050 a and the total amount owed 1040 a. The total amount owed 1040 a,the minimum amount to be paid 1050 a, and the transaction amount 1060 amay all be extracted and put into separate fields 1040 b, 1050 b, 1060b, respectively, in the image file 1000. Alternatively, any combinationof these fields may be extracted in addition to any other fields thatmay be useful for the payee, customer, payee bank, and/or payor bank.

In order for the payor bank to transmit the funds to the payee bank, thepayor bank must be able to ascertain the payee bank's routing number andthe account number at the payee bank to be credited. This informationmay be included on the invoice image file 1000, as illustrated by a line1070 a. The line 1070 a provides the routing number and account numberfor the payee. The line 1070 a may be extracted and inserted into a bankrouting field 1070 b and into a payee account number field 1070 c. Thesetwo fields may also be input by the operator or customer if theinformation was not included on the invoice.

In both the image files 900 and 1000, there is certain information thatshould be the same. For example, a customer wanting to pay an invoicefrom Credit Services should have a check that names Credit Services asthe payee. Also, the transaction amount field 960 b of the check (FIG.9) should match the amount field 1030 b on the image file 1000 of theinvoice. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the document scanningsystem 310 includes control panels 320, 330 (FIG. 3). The control panels320, 330 may be used to view the image files 900 and 1000 to insure thatthe certain fields match. This would alleviate accounting problems forboth the customer and the payee in reconciling the customer's accountwith the payee.

In one embodiment, the image files 900, 1000 only include the fullimages of the check and invoice. In this embodiment, none of the data isextracted and added to the image file. In this embodiment, both thepayee bank and payor bank would extract required information as neededto process the images.

In yet another alternative embodiment, only the extracted fields, andnot the full image, would be transmitted to the payor bank and the payeebank. In this embodiment, the full images may be discarded or theextracted fields may be imaged directly from the document as mentionedabove.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a flow chart illustrating how one embodiment ofthe present invention operates is described. In this method, instead ofan invoice being mailed to a customer, the invoice is sent directly to abank. First, as shown in step 1100, the customer authorizes the bank todebit an account belonging to the customer to pay the invoice. This maybe done in a manner that is similar to other debit agreements banks havewith their customers, such as authorizations to debit the account to payfees or to allow automated clearinghouse transfers (ACH). The bank alsoneeds to be provided with information regarding how much of the invoiceshould be paid. For some companies, the entire invoice must be paid(utilities, some credit cards). For others, however, including mostcredit cards, the customer is given a minimum that must be paid and thebalance may remain owed. The customer may provide the bank withinstructions to pay the entire invoice when it is presented, only theminimum, or some other predetermined amount. It is also contemplatedthat the customer could alter this amount on a monthly basis dependingon the balance in the account. In another embodiment, the customer mayhave instructions to pay the invoice after a certain date, or pay asmuch of the invoice as possible, while leaving a minimum balance in theaccount.

Once the authorization is established, the process proceeds to step1102, where the bank receives the invoice directly, instead of thecustomer. In another embodiment, the customer could receive the invoiceand then notify the bank of payment instructions, such as dollar amount,and payee and bank information.

At step 1104, an operator inserts the invoice into a document scanningsystem. The operator may be an employee or contractor of the bank. Thedocument scanning system then obtains a full image of the invoice instep 1106. The image may be a full image of the document or it may onlybe of a selected portion of the document. Optical character recognitionsoftware (OCR) may be included in the scanning system. The OCR may“read” the image for relevant information, such as the P.O. box number,account number, transaction amount, total amount owed, and minimumamount due.

Next, at step 1108, the operator may create an image of a check forpayment. This image may contain all the data commonly found on a check,or it may only contain the data that is needed to conduct thetransaction, such as bank routing number, account number, andtransaction amount. In another embodiment, the bank operator may fillout an actual check and insert it into the document scanning system forscanning. In another embodiment, the customer may have provided the bankwith checks that are already filled out and the operator need only scanthe appropriate check. In both of these embodiments, the OCR may againread the whole image or search for the needed images only forprocessing. In all of these embodiments, it is contemplated that theoperator may input any needed information onto the image. For example,if a scanned invoice is lacking a transaction amount, the transactionamount may be keyed in by the operator and, thus, added to the image ofthe invoice. In one embodiment, the only portion of the check that isfilled out is the signature, while the rest of the data is added to theimage in such a manner by the operator.

At step 1110, the scanned images are transmitted electronically to thecompany's bank for payment and processing. There are numerous ways thecustomer's bank may obtain the company's bank information. Theinformation may be included on the invoice or it may be obtained fromthe company or the customer. The electronic payment may be processed asa check, whereby the customer's account is not debited until the checkis sent back to the customer's bank to be honored. In anotherembodiment, the payment may be made by a cashier's check. Here, thecustomer's account is debited immediately, but the funds are still sentto the company's bank via the mail system. In another embodiment, theelectronic payment may be paid as an automated clearinghouse payment,such that the funds are first deducted from the customer's account andthen electronically transferred along with the images to the bank of thecustomer.

Once the invoice has been paid, the images are transmitted to thecustomer in step 1112. This may be done electronically where the imagesthemselves are sent to a customer's website or e-mail address. Theimages may also be saved on a disk, tape, or other recordable device andthen mailed to the customer. In another embodiment, the images of thecheck and the invoice are printed and mailed to the customer as theinvoices are paid. This embodiment would be ideal for people who do notown a computer or do not feel comfortable using a computer fortransactions which include account numbers. In another embodiment, thebank may print the images of the scanned items and include the items inthe customer's regular bank statement. It is also contemplated that theactual invoice and check (if there is a hard copy) may be stamped withindicia of cancellation or payment and returned to the customer via anyof the above-mentioned processes.

Turning now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a document scanning system1210 is described. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the document scanningsystem 1210 includes an input receptacle 1205 adapted to receivedocuments from an operator or a customer. The input receptacle 1205 maybe one input opening, slot, or bin capable of receiving both invoicesand checks to be deposited. Alternatively, the input receptacle 1205 maybe two bins, openings, or slots adapted to receive different types ofdocuments. For example, one of the input bins may be adapted to receiveonly checks, while the other may receive invoices. In other embodiments,the input receptacle 1205 may be of a plurality of input bins, openings,and/or slots, with a separate input for each type of document thescanning system 1210 is capable of accepting.

A transport mechanism 1240 is coupled to the input receptacle and isadapted to carry the documents, one at a time, from the input receptacle1205 past an image scanner 1250, and to an output receptacle 1255. Asillustrated in the drawing, the scanning system 1210 has at least oneoutput receptacle, but may have any number of output receptacles 1255a-n. In one embodiment, there are two output receptacles 1255 a-b.Documents that are scanned properly may be transported into one outputreceptacle 1255, while documents that are believed to be counterfeit orare not properly scanned may be off sorted to another output receptacle.Also, if there are two types of documents being scanned, checks andinvoices, the checks may be transported to one output receptacle 1255,while the invoices are transported to another output receptacle 1255. Inan embodiment having three output receptacles 1255 a-c, each receptaclemay receive different types of documents, or one receptacle 1255 may beused to off sort certain documents.

The image scanner 1250 operates similarly to the image scanner 450 inFIG. 4. The image scanner 1250 may obtain full images of the documentsor it may only obtain partial images of the documents. The image scanner1250 also transmits these images to a controller 1260.

The controller 1260 is coupled to the image scanner 1250 and thetransport mechanism 1240, and controls the operation of both of thesedevices. The controller 1260 also communicates information to and fromthe image scanner 1250. As described above, the image scanner 1250transmit images to the controller 1260. The controller 1260 may alsotransmit information to the image scanner 1250 instructing the imagescanner 1250 to create image files of the images and what to include inthese image files. Alternatively, the controller 1260 may take theimages transmitted by the image scanner 1250 and create image files thatinclude the information discussed in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The controller also controls the operation of a printer 1290. Theprinter 1290 may be used to perform a variety of functions. In oneembodiment, the printer 1290 may be used to print the payment agreementon the document. The timing of the printing operation is controlled bythe controller 1260. According to one embodiment, the printer 1290automatically prints the payment agreement on the document. The printer1290 may also be used to print an indicia of cancellation on a document.For example, if a check is being scanned for electronic transferpurposes, the printer 1290 may print “cancelled,” “void,” or other suchlanguage on the check. The printer 1290 may also operate as does theprinter 490 described in FIG. 4.

Also controlled by the controller 1260 is a communications panel 1220.The communications panel 1220 may be used by an operator and/or customerto input information into the image file. Also, the controller 1260 maycommunicate information to the communications panel 1220. For example,the controller 1260 may instruct the communications panel 1220 todisplay a message to the operator or customer that the image scanning iscomplete or that a problem has occurred. The communications panel 1220may include a numeric keypad, a standard keyboard, denomination keys, atouch screen panel, and/or an electronic pen and screen. All of thesedevices would allow the operator or customer to input information intothe scanning system 1210.

The controller 1260 is also in communication with an interface 1230. Theinterface 1230 receives information from the controller 1260 and adaptsit to be transmitted to an office computer 1275 and/or a personalcomputer 1270. The personal computer 1270 may be a computer owned by thecustomer, the computer adapted to receive information such asconfirmations that a transaction occurred. For example, if a checkwritten by a customer is scanned and, through the operation of thissystem, debits an account owned by the customer, the interface maytransmit a confirmation to the personal computer 1270. The confirmationmay simply be a message indicating that the payment was made or it mayinclude copies of the images of the documents for record keepingpurposes. It is also contemplated that the personal computer 1270 may bea computer owned by the payee on the scanned check and may be used toprovide the payee with confirmation of the transaction. In anotherembodiment, two personal computers are linked to the interface, one ofthe computers is operated by the customer and the other is operated bythe payee. In this embodiment, both computers may receive confirmationsof the transaction.

The office computer 1275 is the same as the first computer 130 in FIG.1, and is operated by the payor bank to debit the customer's account forthe amount of the check. The office computer 1275 receives the imagesfrom the interface, debits the customer's account, and then utilizes thepayee information to electronically transfer the funds to the payeesaccount. For reconciliation purposes, a mass storage 1280 iselectronically connected to the office computer and may be used to storethe images. The mass storage 1280 may be used to store data for recordkeeping purposes in case a discrepancy were to arise. Also, the massstorage 1280 may be used to temporarily store images until a statementis sent to a customer. The office computer 1275 may retrieve imagesrelating to the customer's account to be included in the monthly bankstatement.

The document scanning system 1210, via the link with the office computer1275, may process transactions substantially immediately. That is,withdrawals may be processed in real time rather than waiting for theend of the day. Alternatively, the document scanning system 1210 maytransfer the funds at set periods during the day. For example, the fundsand images could be transferred once an hour or once a shift.Alternatively, the office computer 1275 could direct the controller whento transfer the images.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict a compact document scanning system according toone embodiment of the present invention. One embodiment of a compactdocument scanning system is described and illustrated in more detail inU.S. Pat. No. 5,687,963, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. In FIGS. 13 and 14, documents are transported, one by one,from a stack of documents placed in an input receptacle 5209 onto atransport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a transport plateor guide plate 5240 for guiding a document to an output receptacle 5017.Before reaching the output receptacle 5017, the document can be, forexample, evaluated, analyzed, counted, and/or otherwise processed by afull image scanning module. In one embodiment, documents such as checksor invoices are transported, scanned, and identified at a rate in excessof 600 documents per minute. In another embodiment, documents such aschecks or invoices are transported, scanned, and identified at a rate inexcess of 800 documents per minute. In yet another embodiment, documentssuch as checks or invoices, are transported, scanned, and identified ata rate in excess of 1000 documents per minute. In another embodiment,documents such as checks or invoices, are transported, scanned, andidentified at a rate in excess of 1200 documents per minute.

The input receptacle 5209 for receiving a stack of documents to beprocessed is formed by downwardly sloping and converging walls 5205 and5206 (see FIG. 14) formed by a pair of removable covers (not shown)which snap onto a frame. The converging wall 5206 supports a removablehopper (not shown) that includes vertically disposed side walls (notshown). U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,963 also describes one embodiment of aninput receptacle in more detail. The document scanning system 5010 inFIG. 13 has a touch panel display 5061 in one embodiment of the presentinvention which displays “functional” keys when appropriate. The touchpanel display 5061 simplifies the operation of the multi-pocket documentprocessing system 5010. Alternatively or additionally, physical keys orbuttons may be employed.

From the input receptacle 5209, the documents are moved in seriatim froma bottom of the stack along a curved guideway 5211 (shown in FIG. 14)which receives documents moving downwardly and rearwardly and changesthe direction of travel to a forward direction. Although shown as beingfed from the bottom, the documents can be fed from the top, front, orback of the stack. The type of feeding used could be friction feed,vacuum feed, or any other method of feeding known to those skilled inthe art. An exit end of the curved guideway 5211 directs the documentsonto the transport plate 5240 which carries the documents through anevaluation section and to the output receptacle 5017.

Stacking of the documents in one embodiment is accomplished by a pair ofdriven stacking wheels 5212, 5213 for the output receptacle 5017. Thestacking wheels 5212, 5213 are supported for rotational movement aboutrespective shafts 5115 journalled on a rigid frame and driven by a motor(not shown). Flexible blades of the stacking wheels 5212, 5213 deliverthe documents onto a forward end of a stacker plate 5214.

According to one embodiment, the document scanning system 5010 iscompact, having a height (H₁) of about 9½ to 10½ inches, a width (W₁) ofabout 10¾ to 11¾ inches, and a depth (D₁) of about 12 to 16 inches.

FIGS. 15 and 16 depict an exterior perspective view and a sidecross-sectional view of a compact multi-pocket document scanning system6010. The process for carrying documents through the system is the sameas discussed above, except that the processing system has two outputreceptacles 6217 a, 6217 b. In this embodiment, a diverter 6260 directsthe documents to either the first or second output receptacle 6217 a,6217 b. When the diverter 6260 is in a lower position, documents aredirected to the first output receptacle 6217 a. When the diverter 6260is in an upper position, documents proceed in the direction of thesecond output receptacle 6217 b.

According to one embodiment, the document scanning system 6010 iscompact, having a height (H₂) of about 17½ inches, a width (W₂) of about13½ inches, and a depth (D₂) of about 15 inches. According to anotherembodiment, the document scanning system has dimensions of a height (H₂)of about 18 inches, a width (W₂) of about 13¾ inches, and a depth (D₂)of about 16 inches. The document scanning device 6010 may be rested on atabletop.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart for another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the customer receives the invoicedirectly and may bring it to the bank or a location having the scannerto pay the bill. In step 1700, the customer brings the payment coupon orinvoice to the bank. For demonstration purposes only, a bank will beused as the place of payment. It is also understood, however, that theplace of payment may be anywhere with a scanning system of the presentinvention. For example, it is contemplated that currency exchanges mayhave document scanning systems and charge a fee for the service. Also,it is contemplated that other sites that currently offer customersinvoice payment services (such as department stores that have drop boxesfor payment of in-house credit cards or other locations that acceptpayment of utility bills) may offer the document scanning system of thepresent invention as a new method of payment. It is also contemplatedthat the document scanning systems may be stand alone machines whichoperate in the same manner as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Returning now to FIG. 17, at step 1710, an operator inserts an invoiceand a check or other payment media into the document scanning system.The term “operator” refers to anyone who is operating the machine. Itmay be a bank or store employee, an independent contractor working forthe bank or store, or it may be the customer if a stand alone machine isbeing used. At step 1720, the document, for example, the check, isstamped with payment or authorization agreement. The payment agreementmay be printed on the document by the document scanning system asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4. Alternatively, it is alsocontemplated that the payment agreement may be stamped manually onto thedocument. It is also contemplated that a separate document, such as areceipt, may be stamped with the payment agreement or has the paymentagreement printed on it. This process would be similar to issuing acredit card receipt to be signed. The payment agreement allows the bankto debit the customer's account through an electronic transfer, which isdifferent than the conventional clearing path used by banks and otherfinancial institutions in clearing a check. The payment agreement may beprinted on the document using a number of the methods discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 4.

In another embodiment, step 1720 is eliminated and the customer only hasto sign the document once. The document scanning system would add to theimage any other fields which were desired, i.e., payee name and amount.Also, it is contemplated that a printer would then print this additionalinformation on the document as a receipt, but such a step is notrequired.

Next, at step 1730, the customer authorizes the transaction. This may bedone via signing the document after the agreement has been printed onit, giving a verbal authorization, selecting a button on a communicationscreen, or signing an electronic signature pad. If a signature is used,it may be handwritten, stamped, or made via other conventional means ormay be, for example, an electronic signature. If verbal authorization isgiven, step 1720 may be eliminated, and the authorization need not beprinted on the document. If verbal authorization is given, a printer mayprint “authorized verbally” or like terms on the document. Also, theimage may be tagged with such indicia of authorization.

At step 1740, the check is placed into the document scanning system bythe operator. Next, at step 1750, the document scanning system, usingfull image scanning techniques, scans the check and obtains informationfrom the check for use in the clearing and processing system. Thedocument scanning system may scan for any indicia of cancellation. Ifsome indicia of cancellation is found on the document (indicating thatthe document has already been processed), the process is terminated andthe appropriate authorities may be informed. Also, if the documentcontains some indicia of cancellation, it is also contemplated that thedocument would not be returned to the customer, but instead be held bythe operator or issuing bank. If no indicia of cancellation is found,the check images may be sent to a central clearinghouse (or firstcomputer 130 as shown in FIG. 1) where the images are processed andpayment authorization is made. Some indicia of cancellation may be addedto the check, either by the document scanning system or by hand.Finally, at step 1760, the check is returned to the customer, asdescribed below.

Turning now to FIG. 18, an alternative embodiment of a document scanningsystem will be described. In the current embodiment, a check 1800 isplaced into a scanning system through an input receptacle 1810, whichmay be a document receiving opening or receptacle, of the scanningsystem. A transport mechanism 1820 moves the check 1800 past an imagescanner 1840 and to an output receptacle 1830.

The image scanner 1840 and the transport mechanism 1820 areelectronically coupled to a controller 1850. The controller 1850controls the image scanner 1840, creates image files, and controls thetransport mechanism 1820. The image scanner 1840 operates the same asthe image scanner 450, described in FIG. 4. Images of the check 1800 aretransmitted from the image scanner 1840 to a memory 1860, which storesthe images in case later verification is required. Alternatively, thememory 1860 may not be used and the image of the check 1800 istransported directly to the first computer 130 at the payor bank asdescribed in FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, the scanning system also includes a second inputreceptacle 1815 adapted to receive invoices. This is useful forsituations where a customer is scanning checks and invoices to be paidby the checks. In this system, a second transport mechanism 1825transports the invoices 1805 past a second image scanner 1845 and to anoutput receptacle 2035. The second image scanner 1845 is controlled bythe controller and directs images to the memory 1860. The memory 1860operates as described with reference to FIG. 4.

The second input receptacle 1815 may also be used to accept currencybills. This is useful if a customer wants to deposit funds as well aspay a check. Alternatively, one input receptacle may be for checkswritten by the customer to pay bills, and the other input receptacle maybe for currency bills and checks written to the customer for depositinto the customer's account at the payor bank.

The controller 1850 also controls two control panels 1870, 1880. Thecontrol panels operate the same as the control panels 420, 430 in FIG.4.

Turning now to FIG. 19, another embodiment of a scanning system havingtwo input receptacles is illustrated. In this embodiment, an invoice1900 is inserted into a first input receptacle 1910. A first transportmechanism 1920 transports the invoice 1900 from the first inputreceptacle to a second transport mechanism 1927. The second transportmechanism 1927 transports the invoice 1900 past an image scanner 1940and to an output receptacle 1930. A second input receptacle 1915 is alsoincluded in the scanning system and is adapted to receive a check 1905.A third transport mechanism 1925 transports the check 1905 from thesecond input receptacle 1915 to the second transport mechanism 1927. Thesecond transport mechanism 1927 transports the check past the imagescanner 1940 and to the output receptacle 1930.

The image scanner 1940 is adapted to obtain images of the invoice 1900and the check 1905 as discussed above in relation to FIG. 4. The imagesof the invoice 1900 and the check 1905 are transmitted from the imagescanner 1940 to a memory 1960, which operates the same as the memory 470in FIG. 4. Also included in this scanning system are two control panels1970, 1990, which operate like the control panels 420, 430 in FIG. 4.The two control panels 1970, 1990 are also controlled by the controller2150.

In another embodiment, the invoices and checks for payment may beinserted via one input receptacle, while currency bills and checks fordeposit are inserted via the other input receptacle.

Turning now to FIG. 20, another embodiment of a scanning system will bedescribed. In this embodiment, two scanning systems 2000, 2005 arelinked via a communication link 2050, as defined in FIG. 1. The firstscanning system 2000 includes a first input receptacle 2010 forreceiving invoices. The first scanning system also includes a display2020, a keyboard 2030, denomination keys 2070, and a ten-key keypad2040. The display 2020 may be a video display screen, a touch screen, orother known display. The display 2020 may be used to display aquestionable invoice or one that cannot be read by the image scanner.The customer or operator may then utilize the keypad 2040, thedenomination keys 2070, and/or the keyboard 2030 to enter informationinto the image file. Alternatively, if the display 2020 is a touchscreen, the customer may enter information on the touch screen.

The second scanning system 2005 includes many of the same features asthe first scanning system 2000, such as an input receptacle 2015, adisplay 2025, a keypad 2045, denomination keys 2075, and a keyboard2035. The second scanning system 2005, however, is adapted to receivechecks into the input receptacle. The checks are then scanned by thescanning system.

In this embodiment, the invoices and checks are scanned by imagescanners in the respective systems 2000, 2005 in the same manner as inFIG. 4. The images obtained from both the first and second scanningsystems 2000, 2005 are then transmitted via a communication link 2060 tothe first computer 130 as depicted in FIG. 1.

In an alternative embodiment, the invoices and checks may be insertedinto the first scanning system 2000. The second scanning system 2005 maybe used to accept documents for depositing, such as currency bills andchecks written to the customer.

All of the embodiments discussed above, which accept both checks writtenby and to the customer, are beneficial because these embodiments allowone system to be used for a variety of functions. For example, acustomer who needs to both pay a bill and deposit a check need only findone machine to do both. It is also contemplated that the documentscanning device of FIG. 4 may also accept checks for payment and checksand currency bills for deposit.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spiritand scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. An automated payment system for processing payment of an invoice sentfrom a payee to a customer, wherein the customer has a bank account at apayor bank, the automated payment system comprising: a documentprocessing system having: an input receptacle for receiving the invoiceand a check for an amount drawn on the customer's account, an imagescanner configured to obtain invoice image data from the invoice andcheck image data from the check, the image data reproducible as visuallyreadable images of the invoice and check, a transport mechanism adaptedto transport the invoice and the check from the input receptacle andpast the image scanner, and a processor associated with the imagescanner, the processor configured to extract field information from theinvoice image data and the check image data, the field informationincluding the amount of the check; and an interface associated with thedocument processing system, the interface configured to transmit theinvoice image data, the check image data, and extracted fieldinformation to a network, the transmitted image data and fieldinformation formatted for processing by a computer associated with abank and for debiting of the customer account for the amount of thecheck.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a personal computerincluding the interface associated with the document processing system,the personal computer communicatively coupled to the document processingsystem and configured to receive the invoice image data, the check imagedata, and the extracted field information.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the document processing system is further configured to obtainan authorization agreement from the customer.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the authorization agreement is displayed to the customer on avideo screen.
 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising an electronicsignature pad and an electronic pen, the electronic signature padadapted to receive a signature from the customer.
 6. The system of claim1, further comprising a printer adapted to inscribe the check with anindicia of cancellation.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the documentprocessing system further includes a value entry device adapted to entera transaction amount into the document processing system.
 8. The systemof claim 7, wherein the document processing system is further adapted tocompare a transaction amount printed on the check against thetransaction amount entered via the value entry device.
 9. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the value entry device is a numeric keypad.
 10. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the value entry device is a touchscreen. 11.The system of claim 1, the document processing system further comprisingat least one control panel adapted to display information to one of anoperator and the customer.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the imagescanner further comprises multiple scanheads.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the document processing system transports and scans the checkand the invoice with a longer edge of the document perpendicular to thedirection of transport.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the scannedimage is a full image of the check or invoice.
 15. An automated paymentsystem for processing payment of an invoice sent from a payee to acustomer, wherein the customer has a bank account at a payor bank andthe payee has a bank account at a payee bank, the automated paymentsystem comprising: a payor bank computer configured to receive invoiceimage data and check image data, the image data reproducible as avisually readable image, the payor bank computer or an associatedprocessor configured to extract field information from the invoice imagedata and the check image data, the field information including theamount of the check; and a communications interface associated with thepayor bank computer, the communications interface configured to transmitfunds for the amount of the check from the payor bank computer to anetwork, wherein the transmitted funds are formatted for processing by apayee bank computer to credit a payee bank account for the amount of thetransmitted funds.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the payor bankand the payee bank are different banks.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein the payor bank and the payee bank are the same bank.
 18. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the received image data are full images ofthe check or invoice.
 19. A method of debiting a first financial accountand crediting a second financial account, the first financial accountbelonging to a customer and the second financial account belonging to apayee, the method comprising: receiving a check drawn on the firstfinancial account in an input receptacle of a document scanning system;receiving an invoice referencing the second financial account in theinput receptacle of the document scanning system; transporting the checkpast an image scanner of the document scanning system; transporting theinvoice past the image scanner of the document scanning system; scanningthe check and the invoice with the image scanner to generate anelectronic image of the check and an electronic image of the invoice;obtaining a transaction amount from the image of the check; obtainingaccount information from the image of the invoice; transmitting theimage of the check, the image of the invoice, the obtained transactionamount, and the obtained account information over an interface connectedto a network, wherein the images, transaction amount, and accountinformation are formatted for processing by a payor financialinstitution associated with the first financial account and debiting ofthe first financial account for the transaction amount; and transmittingfunds equal to the transaction amount via the interface or anotherinterface configured to transmit the funds to a network, the transmittedfunds formatted for processing by a payee financial institutionassociated with the second financial account.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the payor financial institution and the payee financialinstitution are different financial institutions.
 21. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the payor financial institution and the payeefinancial institution are the same.
 22. The method of claim 19, whereinthe document scanning system is further configured to obtain anauthorization agreement from the customer.
 23. The method of claim 19,further comprising inscribing the check with an indicia of cancellation.24. The method of claim 19, further comprising entering a transactionamount via a value entry device, and comparing a transaction amountprinted on the check against the transaction amount entered via thevalue entry device.
 25. The system of claim 19, wherein the check andthe invoice are transported and scanned with a longer edge of thedocument perpendicular to the direction of transport.
 26. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the scanned image is a full image of the check orinvoice.
 27. An automated payment system for processing payment of aninvoice sent from a payee to a customer, wherein the customer has a bankaccount at a payor bank and the payee has a bank account at a payeebank, the automated payment system comprising: a document scanningsystem configured to obtain an image of an invoice and an image of acheck; and a first computer at the payor bank communicatively coupled tothe document scanning system and configured to receive the image of thecheck and the image of the invoice, the first computer furtherconfigured to debit the customer's account for the amount of the check,wherein the amount of the check is extracted from the image of thecheck, the first computer having an interface configured to transmit theimage of the check, the image of the invoice, and the extracted amountfrom the image of the check to a network.
 28. The system of claim 27,wherein the document scanning system is further configured to obtain anauthorization agreement from the customer.
 29. The system of claim 27,further comprising a printer adapted to inscribe the check with anindicia of cancellation.
 30. The system of claim 27, wherein thedocument scanning system further includes a value entry device adaptedto enter a transaction amount into the document scanning system, thedocument scanning system being further adapted to compare a transactionamount printed on the check against the transaction amount entered viathe value entry device.
 31. The system of claim 27, wherein the documentscanning system transports and scans the check and the invoice with alonger edge of the document perpendicular to the direction of transport.32. The system of claim 27, wherein the scanned image is a full image ofthe check or invoice.